The Newhouse family may not have to shut down the largest daily newspaper in New Jersey after all.

A deal that will save the Star-Ledger appears within reach, sources tell Media Ink.

The company originally had said that if it did not get $9 million in savings from four trade groups, including the pressmen, machinists, mailers and engravers by Sept. 27, it would close the paper.

While it appears savings might fall short of the $9 million level, it is close enough for both sides to keep talking.

“It looks like we are making progress,” said Publisher Richard Vezza. “I would not call it a breakthrough. It’s more like a slow slog, but at least we’re making progress.”
Ed Shown, who heads the Pressmen’s Local 8N and is also representing the combined unions, also said he was hopeful an agreement in principle will be hammered out by the deadline.